Nicotine from cigarette smoke acts as a ligand and associates with specific cells in the nervous system. Nicotine eventually produces feelings of pleasure and well-being. Below are the events that happen in the cellular response to nicotine. Place the events in the correct order to describe the steps in the signaling pathway.
A. The acetylcholine receptor is an ion channel, and, when a ligand binds, the ion channel opens.
B.An influx of ions carries the signal to the reward areas of the brain.
C. Nicotine binds to the transmembrane protein that normally binds the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
D. The signal causes release of dopamine in the brain, which causes good feelings.
E. Nicotine is quickly eliminated from the body (causing cravings for more cigarettes to produce good feelings).

Question

Nicotine from cigarette smoke acts as a ligand and associates with specific cells in the nervous system. Nicotine eventually produces feelings of pleasure and well-being. Below are the events that happen in the cellular response to nicotine. Place the events in the correct order to describe the steps in the signaling pathway. 
A. The acetylcholine receptor is an ion channel, and, when a ligand binds, the ion channel opens.
B.An influx of ions carries the signal to the reward areas of the brain.
C. Nicotine binds to the transmembrane protein that normally binds the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
D. The signal causes release of dopamine in the brain, which causes good feelings.
E. Nicotine is quickly eliminated from the body (causing cravings for more cigarettes to produce good feelings).

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The correct sequence starts with nicotine binding to the acetylcholine receptor (C), which is an ion channel that opens upon ligand binding (A). This leads to an influx of ions (B), which then signals the release of dopamine (D), causing feelings of pleasure. Finally, nicotine is eliminated from the body, leading to cravings (E).

Nicotine from Cigarette Smoke Acts as a Ligand and Associates